Lessons from an IT startup: mobile, maps and more

About the talk

Steven Ellis has recently recently come out of a 3-month Google-affiliated accelerator called 88mph. His product Easy2Map (which offers users a code-free solution for creating functional and beautiful maps) was the initial idea that received funding and incubation.

However, after the ubiquitous 'pivot' that came after advice from the program's mentors, a new product called MyDoorHandle was devised. MyDoorHandle simplifies address systems by replacing latitudes and longitudes with an easy to remember name or ‘handle’.

Both products focus heavily on maps and location-based functionality. In this talk, Steve relays some of tips and observations on various topics of relating to online maps, mobile-first applications, and how to design and develop specifically for emerging markets.

Steven will start his talk at 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm - join us for a drink before the talk.

Breakdown of talk

• Comparison of Google Maps and OpenStreetMap

• Developing mobile-first websites and apps for emerging markets - some lessons learnt

• The importance of design - lessons from Silicon Valley

• Is Twitter Bootstrap 3 the silver bullet for responsive website development?

• Getting the best performance out of a website - tips and tricks

• Device testing with mobile-first development - how important is it?

• MyDoorHandle - product overview, application of some of the features discussed.

About Steven

Steven comes from Cape Town and has 13 years development experience. He has a marketing honours degree from UCT, and got into programming only after graduating (when he tried to develop his own personal website and realized how strangely addictive this programming was).

Having focused primarily on web development during his career, he has seen the inevitable swing of the web towards mobile, and now focuses most of his attention on developing mobile-first applications. Easy2Map and MyDoorHandle are his first startup ventures.

About our sponsors

Thanks to:

• Friends of Design (http://friendsofdesign.net/) for the fantastic venue;

• New Media Labs (http://newmedialabs.co.za/) for sponsoring drinks.